1. Child Protection Policy & Officer Details

Designated Safeguarding / Child Protection Officer:
Master P. Griffiths
📧 [email protected]

Macclesfield Kickboxing Academy acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.
We are committed to ensuring that our safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance, and best-practice principles.

The welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances.
This policy ensures that, regardless of age, ability, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, or socio-economic background, all children:
• Have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport in a safe, child-centred environment.
• Are protected from abuse while participating in kickboxing or related activities, and outside of them.

We recognise that some children—particularly those with disabilities or from minority backgrounds—may be more vulnerable to abuse.
We therefore accept the responsibility to take all reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

As part of our safeguarding policy, Macclesfield Kickboxing Academy will:
• Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all participants.
• Ensure everyone understands their safeguarding roles and receives appropriate training.
• Take immediate and proportionate action when concerns arise, providing support to those involved.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of all safeguarding concerns.
• Prevent the employment or deployment of unsuitable individuals.
• Operate robust safeguarding arrangements at every level.

Monitoring and Review:
This policy will be reviewed annually after development and at least every three years thereafter, or sooner if:
• Legislation or government guidance changes.
• There is any significant incident, complaint, or organisational change requiring revision.

2. Coaches’ Code of Conduct

(Reviewed March 2024)

The essence of good ethical conduct and practice is summarised below. All instructors must:

• Never teach a class or individual without another adult present. Parental supervision is required; if no parent remains, the class will not run.
• Place the wellbeing and safety of students above the pursuit of performance.
• Build relationships based on mutual trust and respect.
• Deliver training appropriate to age, ability, and experience.
• Promote positive values consistent with Olympic ideals.
• Maintain consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.
• Hold valid coaching qualifications and insurance; seek specialist training when working with adults or children with additional needs.
• Never use influence for personal gain.
• Act as role models both in and out of the academy, including on social media.
• Never condone rule violations, rough play, or use of prohibited substances.
• Encourage athletes to value effort, discipline, and improvement over outcomes.
• Guide students to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

3. Social Media Policy

(Reviewed March 2023)

Social media—including personal and professional websites, blogs, chat rooms, forums, and platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube—is a normal means of communication.
All members, coaches, volunteers, and athletes must make informed decisions about how they use it to protect both themselves and the organisation.

Key principles:
• Do not publish negative or inflammatory comments about other clubs, officials, or athletes.
• Avoid hostile or harassing posts. Harassment includes any offensive content based on protected characteristics such as race, sex, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.
• Credit all copyrighted or borrowed material appropriately.
• Ensure all official announcements on academy channels are reviewed and approved by the executive before posting.
• Avoid direct messaging under-18s; copy parents or welfare officers into all communications.
• Keep written records of communications with minors and obtain parental consent where required.
• Think carefully before accepting under-18s as social-media “friends.”
• Prefer business pages for youth interaction; seek parental consent if private messaging is unavoidable.
• Report inappropriate or sexualised online content to the welfare officer immediately.
• Remember that online behaviour reflects professional reputation; post responsibly.

4. Parents’ Code of Conduct

(Reviewed March 2023)

As a parent or guardian of a child training with us, we ask that you:

• Ensure your child brings the correct kit, food, and drink to each session.
• Arrive on time—children must be changed and ready to train at least five minutes before class.
• Inform staff if you are running late or if another adult will collect your child.
• Remain present for supervision during sessions; classes will not proceed without parental supervision.
• Complete all required consent, medical, and contact forms promptly.
• Maintain open communication with instructors about your child’s progress.
• Discuss any concerns directly with us—we are here to help.
• Encourage your child to focus on enjoyment, friendship, exercise, and skill development—not just winning.
• Behave positively on the sidelines; your attitude shapes theirs.
• Lead by example—respect referees’ decisions and never enter the training area or ring.
• Use social media responsibly and respectfully.
• Promote sportsmanship, respect, and etiquette at all times.

Failure to follow this code will be addressed immediately and may lead to exclusion from academy activities if unresolved.

5. Children & Young Persons Code of Conduct

(Reviewed March 2024)

As a young member of Macclesfield Kickboxing Academy, you should:

• Keep yourself safe by listening to your coaches, following instructions, and speaking up if something feels wrong.
• Stay within the training area and never leave without permission.
• Treat the academy’s equipment and premises with care.
• Be punctual and tell your coach if you’re running late.
• Bring the correct kit and suitable clothing for the weather.
• Never smoke, vape, or consume alcohol at sessions or competitions.
• Respect and celebrate differences; never discriminate.
• Report any bullying or bad behaviour, even if you are just a witness.
• Support your teammates—encourage them and be kind when they struggle.
• Respect your coaches and athletes from other clubs.
• Be a good sport: celebrate wins graciously and accept losses with dignity.
• Follow the rules and enjoy yourself.

If you break this code, we’ll discuss it with you and your parents to find a fair solution.

6. Photography & Filming Policy

(Reviewed March 2024)

Macclesfield Kickboxing Academy works with children and families across coaching, training, and competitions at local, national, and international levels.
This policy protects children and young people when photographs or videos are taken.

Purpose

• To protect children who take part in our activities.
• To outline principles for creating, using, and sharing images responsibly.
• To ensure compliance with safeguarding and data-protection law.

Photography for Personal Use

When parents or spectators take photos for personal use:
• We will publish or announce our photography policy at each event.
• We ask people to choose positive images that represent the sport well.
• We recommend checking privacy settings before sharing online.
• Children, parents, and carers should know who to contact if they have concerns.

Photography by the Academy

When the academy uses photography or filming as part of training or promotion:
• Participants and parents will be informed in advance.
• Only positive, appropriate images will be used.
• Full names will not accompany images unless essential and consented.
• Children will always appear suitably dressed in required kit or safety wear.
• Images will focus on activity rather than individual children.
• Angles likely to be misinterpreted or misused will be avoided.

Professional Photographers

When hiring professional photographers:
• They will be given clear guidance on suitable behaviour and content.
• They must wear identification at all times.
• They will never have unsupervised access to children.
• They may not conduct sessions outside events or at a child’s home.
• Any concerns about their conduct will be treated as safeguarding matters.

External or Press Photography

If journalists or third-party photographers request access:
• They must seek permission in advance, providing identity and purpose.
• Consent will be obtained from children and parents before photography.
• The event team will inform attendees that press photographers are present.
• Unidentified individuals attempting to film may be asked to leave and, if necessary, reported to authorities.

Storage of Images

• Photographs and videos will be stored securely in password-protected digital folders or locked cabinets.
• Images will never be kept on unencrypted devices or personal mobiles.

Responding to Concerns

• All staff, volunteers, children, and parents should report any concerns about inappropriate photography to the safeguarding officer immediately.
• Concerns involving potential criminal behaviour will be referred to the police.
• Where parental consent is restricted for legal reasons (for example, children in care or adoptive placements), arrangements will ensure those children are not photographed or filmed recognisably.

Review and Contact

This safeguarding framework is reviewed annually each March, or sooner if legislation or best practice changes.
For questions, concerns, or reports, contact:
Master P. Griffiths, Designated Safeguarding Officer
📧 [email protected]

Macclesfield Kickboxing Academy
Committed to a safe, positive environment for all students and families.